Professional Writing major and LACD intern Adam writes his blog about why writing skills are so important for a young professional to cultivate
Click here to read the fulla article
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Programs and Apps you need to know for a job!
Visit USA Today Education, and research some of the newest iPod and phone apps that can help with your job search!
Click here to visit the full article
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Why Writing is So Important
by: Adam Beasley
You would be amazed how many young professionals and students don't know how to write. Now, I'm not saying that they don't know how to type up a paper or draft a memo but most of these people can't write at a high level professionally. This is where you can get the upper hand on these people when it comes to finding a job. Every single company or business needs writers. Every single one. Some of these places are based around writing, whereas other places need people to write up all the information their employees can't communicate to their clients or customers.
If you can write at a high level then you have an advantage against your other competitors. I'm not saying that writing alone will get you a job, because in most cases it won't. But if you can write, you have something that puts you apart. Not only will you know how to do more things in the workplace but in all likelihood you will have drafted up a better cover letter and resume than those other people. Work on refining your writing because you never know when it could get you a job.
Check out this article that could help your writing skills.
You would be amazed how many young professionals and students don't know how to write. Now, I'm not saying that they don't know how to type up a paper or draft a memo but most of these people can't write at a high level professionally. This is where you can get the upper hand on these people when it comes to finding a job. Every single company or business needs writers. Every single one. Some of these places are based around writing, whereas other places need people to write up all the information their employees can't communicate to their clients or customers.
If you can write at a high level then you have an advantage against your other competitors. I'm not saying that writing alone will get you a job, because in most cases it won't. But if you can write, you have something that puts you apart. Not only will you know how to do more things in the workplace but in all likelihood you will have drafted up a better cover letter and resume than those other people. Work on refining your writing because you never know when it could get you a job.
Check out this article that could help your writing skills.
Job interview tips for every kind of profession
Check out this extensive site that details different types of job interview questions for a number of professions.
Click here to enter the site
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
LACD Blog: Expand Your Job Search
Intern Angie discusses the importance of using different job search techniques in order to land a great post-graduation job. Seniors take note!
Click here to read the full article
Bad health habits that can harm your job search
It's no secret that college students sometimes don't live the healthiest lifestyle. But did you know that poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, binge drinking and unhealthy eating can affect your employment opportunities?
Click here to read the full article
Monday, March 28, 2011
Expanding Your Job Search
By Angela Cooley
With spring break come and gone, the end of the school keeps drawing closer and soon-to-be-graduates all over campus are starting to ask each other about their plans for the future. While some are preparing to pursue an advanced degree, many students are venturing out into the job market, beginning their job search the same place they begin all of their searches: a simple Google search. There are so many job boards, finding an opening will be a cinch!
Well, that's at least half right... sure, you can find plenty of listings, just like the other 5,000 people who searched "HR jobs." What many young job-seekers don't understand is that the positions listed on popular job boards are seen and pursued by a ridiculous amount of people, your application can sometimes become a needle in a haystack. You may send multiple resumes and cover letters to potential employers, refreshing your email incessantly as you anxiously await to be invited to an interview... but then weeks pass, and you never hear a word from those companies. Your heart sinks; that cheery "Apply Now!" button suddenly seems to mock you...
But fear not! There is a secret place where many other job opportunities exist, often with even fewer applicants competing for the same position... it's called: "NOT THE INTERNET." That's right. You've got to talk to some real, live people. There are many job openings that are not even "advertised" because posting to the big-name sites costs big-name bucks, so networking and referrals can really help reveal some new opportunities. Tell everyone you know about the career you're building and hoping to pursue, and what do you know, it might turn out that your friend's boss's aunt knows a guy. Don't dismiss networking and asking around when looking for a job, because there are still some things Google just can't find.
With spring break come and gone, the end of the school keeps drawing closer and soon-to-be-graduates all over campus are starting to ask each other about their plans for the future. While some are preparing to pursue an advanced degree, many students are venturing out into the job market, beginning their job search the same place they begin all of their searches: a simple Google search. There are so many job boards, finding an opening will be a cinch!
Well, that's at least half right... sure, you can find plenty of listings, just like the other 5,000 people who searched "HR jobs." What many young job-seekers don't understand is that the positions listed on popular job boards are seen and pursued by a ridiculous amount of people, your application can sometimes become a needle in a haystack. You may send multiple resumes and cover letters to potential employers, refreshing your email incessantly as you anxiously await to be invited to an interview... but then weeks pass, and you never hear a word from those companies. Your heart sinks; that cheery "Apply Now!" button suddenly seems to mock you...
But fear not! There is a secret place where many other job opportunities exist, often with even fewer applicants competing for the same position... it's called: "NOT THE INTERNET." That's right. You've got to talk to some real, live people. There are many job openings that are not even "advertised" because posting to the big-name sites costs big-name bucks, so networking and referrals can really help reveal some new opportunities. Tell everyone you know about the career you're building and hoping to pursue, and what do you know, it might turn out that your friend's boss's aunt knows a guy. Don't dismiss networking and asking around when looking for a job, because there are still some things Google just can't find.
You’ve created a LinkedIn profile. What’s next?
Creating a LinkedIn profile is only the first step. Read this article to make the most ut of the functions and connections on LinkedIn.
Read the full article here
Sunday, March 27, 2011
How Online Communities can help your career
Visit social media/technology superblog, Mashable, to learn about how online social communities can advance your career.
Click here to read the full article
Saturday, March 26, 2011
LACD Blog: How to Market your Liberal Arts Degree
Intern Caitlin writes about how to make the most of your liberal arts degree.
Read the full article here
Weak words to avoid using on your resume
Strengthen your resume by avoiding these phrases.
Click here to read the full article
15 Things not to say to your boss
Be smart at work and avoid these choice phrases
Click here to read the full article
How to Market your Liberal Arts Degree
By: Caitlin Charles
The Liberal Arts Degree can sometimes be thought of as less valuable than other degrees for their lack of focus on a particular skill or trade. It is also difficult for students graduating with a diploma in a Liberal Arts area of study to translate their major into an actual job. This does not mean however that Liberal Arts graduates can not market their degrees to land that dream job. Motivated by 10 Ways to Market Your Liberal Arts Degree by Katherine Hansen Ph.D., I would like to highlight a few main points for making the most out of your degree.
Step 1: Find Your Focus. Liberal Arts students graduate with a wide range of skills across many subjects. Use this to your advantage. You have the ability to hone in on the areas that are of interest to you, and really market them. If you enjoy technology and computers for example, this is a great asset to your degree, so don't be afraid to let employers know what all you can offer and how you can apply your range of skills to benefit their company.
Step 2: Cover Letters and Portfolios. While your resume may not show that you have mastered the ultimate financial strategy, use your cover letter and portfolio to show companies how you have actualized your talents and efforts into results. It is not always as easy for employers to make the connection between past job experiences in Liberal Arts fields and the skills you acquired from them, so you need to make that connection for them.
Step 3: Know your Strengths. Liberal Arts students certainly have a lot to offer. Know what you do offer and what you don't. Find those areas that are not as strong for you as perhaps a non-Liberal Arts major and work on them. If you know that your management skills are lacking, take the opportunity to work on them in your next group project. Once you start improving upon those areas that may not have been focused on as much with your Liberal Arts studies, you can prove to your interviewer that your degree will stand up to any other.
There are many things Liberal Arts students can do to market their skills to future employers. Students should be proud of their degrees and not afraid to prove that their Liberal Arts skills are right for the job.
Friday, March 25, 2011
What happens when you google your name?
Intern Stephanie has written a blog about the importance of knowing what comes up in a Google search of your name.
Click here to read the full article
What happens when you Google YOUR name?
By: Stephanie Grebe
It is no secret that the first thing an employer does when they look at a job applicant is Google them. Within seconds, Google can dig up more dirt than you even know you had! From newspaper mentions to awards, blog posts to social media, if it is out there… Google will find it.
So how do you control the content in your top fold so employers are getting a clear representation of YOU? I learned this the hard way. When I Googled my name, several unpleasant things arise.
1) A German Dancer who shares my name with some pretty risqué costumes
2) A young teen who is all things MySpace
3) An open forum discussing a Stephanie Grebe who apparently steals for drug money
None of these are true, nor do I want an employer’s first impression of me to be a dancing drug dealer. So how do you fix this? Personal branding. By creating a unique personal brand that you use on your resume, cover letter, social media, business cards, portfolio, etc., you can control what content can be related back to you.
For example, my brand includes the name of my university, Purdue. On all of my professional documents, Purdue is proudly displayed by my name, helping to distinguish myself as a Purdue University student. When an employer includes that in my Google search, the results are drastically different. They include my blog posts, pod casts, social media, accomplishments, and portfolio. It is much easier to use your brand to control your content, instead of trying to track down all the Stephanie Grebes of the world and asking them to clean up their act.
Other suggestions for creating a brand is using your middle name, maiden name, or even your branding statement. Don't be shy, create a strong brand that is representative of your work, and start using it to create a professional Google identity. My last tip, Google yourself a few times a week to help monitor your online identity!
It is no secret that the first thing an employer does when they look at a job applicant is Google them. Within seconds, Google can dig up more dirt than you even know you had! From newspaper mentions to awards, blog posts to social media, if it is out there… Google will find it.
So how do you control the content in your top fold so employers are getting a clear representation of YOU? I learned this the hard way. When I Googled my name, several unpleasant things arise.
1) A German Dancer who shares my name with some pretty risqué costumes
2) A young teen who is all things MySpace
3) An open forum discussing a Stephanie Grebe who apparently steals for drug money
None of these are true, nor do I want an employer’s first impression of me to be a dancing drug dealer. So how do you fix this? Personal branding. By creating a unique personal brand that you use on your resume, cover letter, social media, business cards, portfolio, etc., you can control what content can be related back to you.
For example, my brand includes the name of my university, Purdue. On all of my professional documents, Purdue is proudly displayed by my name, helping to distinguish myself as a Purdue University student. When an employer includes that in my Google search, the results are drastically different. They include my blog posts, pod casts, social media, accomplishments, and portfolio. It is much easier to use your brand to control your content, instead of trying to track down all the Stephanie Grebes of the world and asking them to clean up their act.
Other suggestions for creating a brand is using your middle name, maiden name, or even your branding statement. Don't be shy, create a strong brand that is representative of your work, and start using it to create a professional Google identity. My last tip, Google yourself a few times a week to help monitor your online identity!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
LACD Blog: 3 things to avoid when writing your resume
Intern Christina explains 3 frequently made mistakes that can kill your resume.
Click here to read the full article
What those interview questions are REALLY asking
What are interviewers really trying to find out when they ask you questions like "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your three greatest strengths"? Figure it out and be better prepared for your next job interview.
Click here to read the full article
3 Things to Avoid When Writing a Resume
The LACD blog has been brimming with resume tips over the past couple of weeks. Intern Angela has been writing about some excellent ways to raise the aesthetic look of a resume. Now, how about rereading the document to ensure that your writing is equally well done?
As a Business Writing Consultant for the Purdue Writing Lab, I've seen countless resumes from undergraduate students. There are a few things that many students love to include in their resume that really (as Peter Griffin would say) grind my gears. Here are my top three resume pet peeves:
1) Overused verb selection
When describing your previous work experience, do not use the same verbs over and over again. It becomes repetitive to read and makes you appear stale and uncreative. Make sure each bullet point on your resume has a different verb. Break out a thesaurus if necessary. You can also scan through the job ad you are applying to, identify verbs and work them into your bullet points. This will vary your word choice and tailor your resume to the specific job. Win, win!
2) The word 'utilize'
Just stay away from it. ‘Utilize’ has become overused by students trying to sound professional, and it is rarely ever used in the correct context. On Twitter, I follow an organization called “GrammarSnarks” and at least once a week they will make fun of a terrible sentence that contains ‘utilize.’ When in doubt, just say ‘use.’ You won’t sound dumb: I promise.
3) Poorly written objective statement
I will admit, even I have a hard time writing an objective statement. In fact, I got so sick of them that the current format of my resume doesn’t even contain an objective statement! They can actually be a turnoff for some employers. Some applicants will include what they want out of the job in the objective statement, instead of writing what they bring to the table, making the applicant sound self-centered. My dad absolutely hates reading resumes with these poorly written objective statements. He throws them immediately into the “No” pile. Here’s my advice: I would make sure to include an objective statement if I were applying for a specific position at a large company (mainly because you don’t want your resume to get lost). Otherwise, leave it off.
Steer clear of these pitfalls and you'll already be miles better than some of your competition. Want more tips? Check out this article “6 Words that Make Your Resume Suck”
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Handling Crazy Interview Questions
by: Adam Beasley
I've been thinking a lot about interview questions recently because it's getting close to interview time where we are all going to be trying to compete with each other for jobs. Now I know interviews can be scary with they ask you all kinds of questions and we all feel like we have to come up with perfect answers. But don't worry, it's okay to relax for a bit. I mean I got asked once, "If you were a sandwich, what would you be?" What!? That's sort of question that's tough to answer on the spot, because you don't know what they are getting at by it. But the best thing to do is just take a breath and calm down because it is never going to be as bad as you think. It always seems bad at first but as long as you answer honestly and enthusiastically it will come off in whatever your answer is. Employers aren't looking for the perfect answers and if they are you don't want to be working there. What they are looking for, is someone willing to step up to the plate and give them a straight answer.
Below is article for U.S. News that gives some tips on how to deal with crazy interview questions. Check it out.
I've been thinking a lot about interview questions recently because it's getting close to interview time where we are all going to be trying to compete with each other for jobs. Now I know interviews can be scary with they ask you all kinds of questions and we all feel like we have to come up with perfect answers. But don't worry, it's okay to relax for a bit. I mean I got asked once, "If you were a sandwich, what would you be?" What!? That's sort of question that's tough to answer on the spot, because you don't know what they are getting at by it. But the best thing to do is just take a breath and calm down because it is never going to be as bad as you think. It always seems bad at first but as long as you answer honestly and enthusiastically it will come off in whatever your answer is. Employers aren't looking for the perfect answers and if they are you don't want to be working there. What they are looking for, is someone willing to step up to the plate and give them a straight answer.
Below is article for U.S. News that gives some tips on how to deal with crazy interview questions. Check it out.
The Truth Behind Those Crazy Interview Questions
Six steps to land an amazing job after graduation
Attention seniors! Follow these tips for landing an awesome job after graduation.
Click here to read the full article
LACD Blog: Improve the Look of your Resume p. 3
Intern Angela continues her series full of tips to improve the visual look of your resume. Check it out on the LACD Intern Blog
Click here to read the full article
Monday, March 21, 2011
Improve the Look of Your Resume - Part 3
By Angela Cooley
Although resumes today are often submitted via email, there are still occasions when you’ll want to have printed copies on hand. Since you already know how to organize and style your resume, you don't want to undercut the great professional image you've created when presenting your materials to a potential employer!
1. Choose a quality paper
You don’t want to be stuck at that job fair or interview with a limp, wimpy sheet of generic printer paper. Higher quality paper stock shows that you took the extra time and effort to present yourself in a professional manner. Again, this doesn’t mean you should go over the top... do not pull a Legally Blonde and bust out the scented pink paper in an effort to stand out. Avoid dark colors too, they photocopy poorly. Packs of specifically labeled “Resume Paper” are available at most office stores, and if you’re not ready to commit to a whole ream, they’re also sold by the sheet at University Bookstore. Just remember: if your resume paper has a watermark (aren’t you classy), make sure that it’s not upside down or backwards on the final printout!
2. Go to a print/copy shop
A typical inkjet printer has lousy print quality, and if you're running low on ink, the horribleness increases exponentially. Please do not make the mistake of handing in a resume that is (unintentionally) tinted blue and covered in mysterious stripes. What's more, the dots of ink from an inkjet printer can make text appear fuzzy or uneven; the laser printers at a copy shop will produce a nice, crisp print.
3. Keep it consistent
Use the same style you established on your resume for your cover letter, reference sheet, business card, and even envelopes if you’re sending your resume or follow-up correspondence by mail. Creating a cohesive look for all of your materials makes you look just as put-together on paper as you’ll look in person, all suited up for the interview.
Although resumes today are often submitted via email, there are still occasions when you’ll want to have printed copies on hand. Since you already know how to organize and style your resume, you don't want to undercut the great professional image you've created when presenting your materials to a potential employer!
1. Choose a quality paper
You don’t want to be stuck at that job fair or interview with a limp, wimpy sheet of generic printer paper. Higher quality paper stock shows that you took the extra time and effort to present yourself in a professional manner. Again, this doesn’t mean you should go over the top... do not pull a Legally Blonde and bust out the scented pink paper in an effort to stand out. Avoid dark colors too, they photocopy poorly. Packs of specifically labeled “Resume Paper” are available at most office stores, and if you’re not ready to commit to a whole ream, they’re also sold by the sheet at University Bookstore. Just remember: if your resume paper has a watermark (aren’t you classy), make sure that it’s not upside down or backwards on the final printout!
2. Go to a print/copy shop
A typical inkjet printer has lousy print quality, and if you're running low on ink, the horribleness increases exponentially. Please do not make the mistake of handing in a resume that is (unintentionally) tinted blue and covered in mysterious stripes. What's more, the dots of ink from an inkjet printer can make text appear fuzzy or uneven; the laser printers at a copy shop will produce a nice, crisp print.
Inkjet vs Laser print quality
Image courtesy of http://judyonthenet.com
Image courtesy of http://judyonthenet.com
3. Keep it consistent
Use the same style you established on your resume for your cover letter, reference sheet, business card, and even envelopes if you’re sending your resume or follow-up correspondence by mail. Creating a cohesive look for all of your materials makes you look just as put-together on paper as you’ll look in person, all suited up for the interview.
How your appearance can affect your paycheck
Visit the Intern Queen's blog for an overview of the ways that your personal appearance and dress can affect your salary
Click here to read the full article
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Optimize your YouTube channel
YouTube can be used for much more than posting silly videos of you and your friends.This article explains how YouTube can be optimzed for professional use. Check out these excellent tips!
Click here to read the full article
Friday, March 11, 2011
Twitter 101: Who to Follow Pt. 2
By Megan Fingert
Welcome to Part Two of Who To Follow. Twitter has over 190 million users worldwide. It can be easy to get lost as you begin to search for people to follow. Some will look for their favorite celebrity; others will look for leaders within their field. Whatever it is you’re looking for in tweets, you’re sure to be able to find it. Whether you’re brand new to twitter or a regular Tweep, here are 10 accounts, spread over two blog posts, that I think any young professional can appreciate as both a young person and as someone looking to develop professionally. Last week, I recommended accounts to you that were global. Today’s focus is on local tweeps who are taking the #Purdue/Indy twitter community by storm! These are in no particular order.
1. Marc Muinzer, owner of BoilerCribs.com, @BoilerCribs
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Marc tweets about all things good. Whether he’s posting an interesting link, a funny quip about Purdue Athletics, or commenting on local property news, his tweets are always entertaining. You’ll enjoy this Purdue Alumns true Boilermaker spirit, which gives his twitter a local touch. I also love that Marc is always in conversation on twitter. He is not a silent account only pushing out information. If you mention him, he’ll probably reply back!
How it will help you develop professionally: Marc is a local, successful businessman. I think it’s nice to follow Purdue Alumni who have left their mark on our community after graduation. It really shows that your connection to Purdue is everlasting and that you can truly make an impact here whether you’re walking on the moon or providing students with affordable and comfortable apartments and homes.
2. Nick Moore, owner of HungryBoiler.com, @HungryBoiler
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Two words: CHEAP FOOD. What college student doesn’t love a good deal on grub? Nick is here to tell you about his amazing website HungryBoiler.com. Nick is also great about keeping up with conversation on twitter. He’s always looking out for mentions and will quickly reply to you. He links to both his website, our blog, Boiler Bites (yep, I co-author it!), and often posts the hilarious requests that some students ask of our local restaurants. For example, someone just the other day asked if we could have a local pizza joint “draw a maple leaf, a Sprite can, and a man on a moose holding an axe on the pizza box.”
How it will help you develop professionally: You have to realize that Nick isn’t some 40 year old dude who decided to bank on college students who want the ease of ordering online from their fave restaurants. Nick graduated just last May and has already achieved all kinds of success. He is a young entrepreneur who can be a real inspiration to you as a young professional. Following his tweets will teach you the value of timely customer service and how it can make your business grow.
3. Scott Wise, owner of Scotty’s Brewhouse, @Brewhouse
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Scotty is another dynamic Indiana business owner. Owner of Scotty’s Brewhouse, Lakehouse, and Thr3e Wise Men, Scott Wise has a knack for bringing you delicious food and drink in a great atmosphere. His tweets range in subject from funny links to updates about deals and promotion at one of his many restaurants. Scott, like the other’s, has discovered the power of engaging with his followers. Tweet at him and you’ll probably hear back!
How it will help you develop professionally: Scott is a great example of a good businessman who understands the nuances of social media marketing. By following his tweets you’ll see great examples of online marketing strategies that can take your personal brand or a companies brand to the top. He is witty, timely, and a Tweep that everyone should idolize.
4. Purdue University, our school’s Twitter account, @LifeAtPurdue
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Purdue’s account is friendly and helpful. If it’s burning hot in your classroom and you tweet about it, they’ll probably reply back saying they’re sending maintenance to check it out. If someone is handing out free pizza or having a callout, they’ll probably retweet or post about it. As well, they can keep you updated on sports, special events, and emergency information around Purdue’s campus. They are so friendly – I love their twitter!
How it will help you develop professionally: Staying connected to your Alma Mater is so important. Whether you’re graduating or have three more years ahead of you, this twitter account will give you the tools you need to make your Purdue experience the best that it can be. Go out, get involved, be active in your campus and be in conversation with it – even if it’s in just 140 characters.
5. Liberal Arts Career Development, @PurdueLACD
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Do we really have to tell you why on this one? Duh! All things career development brought to you by Lisa Lambert Snodgrass and the rest of the LACD team! Articles, job listings, and info on career development events on campus!
How it will help you develop professionally: To get that dream job and be prepared for the professional world, you have to be in the know. Our Twitter feed will constantly be posting the most current and up-to-date career information.
And while we’re at it, I’ll throw some bonus accounts your way! Follow the LACD Interns! @MeganFingert @angela_cooley @CLRipley @StephanieGrebe @Adam_Beasley and @CCCharles11 ! We will be tweeting and retweeting all kinds of interesting articles and thoughts on career development and our interests.
LACD Blog: Stop Your Email From Being an E-Mess
Intern Stephanie's blog post is about simple ways to clean up your inbox and organize your online life.
How to Fill in Gaps in your Resume
Looking for ways to beef up the sparse areas on your resume? Check out these simple tips.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Stop your E-mail from being an E-mess
By: Stephanie Grebe
We are all guilty of it... 256 emails in the inbox: 4 from Mom that I will respond to later, 2 from group members who I don’t have an answer for, and 250 from my favorite stores/web pages/Facebook that I don't think I'll ever open.
Today, let’s knock out the e-clutter by mastering a few simple digital organization techniques. I have 4 easy steps to help you reclaim your inbox and organize your life! Why? Because do you really want to tell your employer that you accidentally deleted their memo thinking it was a Mafia Wars invitation on Facebook?
1. Act on EVERY email: Too often, we make an e-mess out of our e-mail. I am no exception. I use to open emails, finish reading them, and move on to the next. Sometimes, the clutter would sit in my inbox for days, weeks, or even months. Unopened Bath and Body Works coupons and bank statements would often overwhelm important messages.
So my step one to becoming digitally organized is to act on EVERY email. Whether you erase it, respond, or save it to a folder, it is important to finish what you start. Some people use the method of tagging, which is a good tactic if you are extremely proactive and follow through. But for most of us, you’ll be amazed at the time you save by simply finishing each email you open. Instead of marking it as “respond later,” just respond now and file it away! It will be easier to find the information you need, and you’ll stop wasting time digging through your inbox.
2. Utilize folders: They are there for a reason, so start using them! The more specific you are, the easier it will be to organize and find things. Instead of labeling a folder “summer internship 2010,” you can make an individual folder for each project you work on. This is key to being organized, and is too easy to NOT take advantage.
3. Unsubscribe from clutter: Step three is another no brainer that we never take the time to do, unsubscribe. Again, I am guilty. It seemed like I use to get 10 cooking emails every day from every cooking site I’ve ever visited in my 15 years on the Internet. Instead of crowding my inbox with emails I never even open, one day I did the unthinkable, I unsubscribed. It takes an extra minute of your day, and saves you frustration and space in the long run. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
4. Divide and conquer: This has been the most useful e-organization tip I’ve received: have different email addresses for different purposes. This may be common sense when you get into the professional world and are provided a company email address. But, until then, separate your inboxes. I have found it very helpful to have 3 email addresses
a. Personal
b. Professional
c. Junk
I never even have to check the latter; it is just there for when I need to sign up for web pages I am not particularly interested in. It is amazing to check my junk email every few months, and see the thousands of spam/newsletters/SPECIAL OFFERS I avoid.
Plus, having different personal and professional emails is a great way to keep your professional and personal life separate online. That way, if you are dying to have the "PartyPlaya911" e-mail address (which is a whole other issue), it will not be shared with your colleagues or employers.
This is only a start to being organizing your e-mess. With just a few steps, these will knock tons of time off your daily email routines and keep your e-mail professional!
We are all guilty of it... 256 emails in the inbox: 4 from Mom that I will respond to later, 2 from group members who I don’t have an answer for, and 250 from my favorite stores/web pages/Facebook that I don't think I'll ever open.
Today, let’s knock out the e-clutter by mastering a few simple digital organization techniques. I have 4 easy steps to help you reclaim your inbox and organize your life! Why? Because do you really want to tell your employer that you accidentally deleted their memo thinking it was a Mafia Wars invitation on Facebook?
1. Act on EVERY email: Too often, we make an e-mess out of our e-mail. I am no exception. I use to open emails, finish reading them, and move on to the next. Sometimes, the clutter would sit in my inbox for days, weeks, or even months. Unopened Bath and Body Works coupons and bank statements would often overwhelm important messages.
So my step one to becoming digitally organized is to act on EVERY email. Whether you erase it, respond, or save it to a folder, it is important to finish what you start. Some people use the method of tagging, which is a good tactic if you are extremely proactive and follow through. But for most of us, you’ll be amazed at the time you save by simply finishing each email you open. Instead of marking it as “respond later,” just respond now and file it away! It will be easier to find the information you need, and you’ll stop wasting time digging through your inbox.
2. Utilize folders: They are there for a reason, so start using them! The more specific you are, the easier it will be to organize and find things. Instead of labeling a folder “summer internship 2010,” you can make an individual folder for each project you work on. This is key to being organized, and is too easy to NOT take advantage.
3. Unsubscribe from clutter: Step three is another no brainer that we never take the time to do, unsubscribe. Again, I am guilty. It seemed like I use to get 10 cooking emails every day from every cooking site I’ve ever visited in my 15 years on the Internet. Instead of crowding my inbox with emails I never even open, one day I did the unthinkable, I unsubscribed. It takes an extra minute of your day, and saves you frustration and space in the long run. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
4. Divide and conquer: This has been the most useful e-organization tip I’ve received: have different email addresses for different purposes. This may be common sense when you get into the professional world and are provided a company email address. But, until then, separate your inboxes. I have found it very helpful to have 3 email addresses
a. Personal
b. Professional
c. Junk
I never even have to check the latter; it is just there for when I need to sign up for web pages I am not particularly interested in. It is amazing to check my junk email every few months, and see the thousands of spam/newsletters/SPECIAL OFFERS I avoid.
Plus, having different personal and professional emails is a great way to keep your professional and personal life separate online. That way, if you are dying to have the "PartyPlaya911" e-mail address (which is a whole other issue), it will not be shared with your colleagues or employers.
This is only a start to being organizing your e-mess. With just a few steps, these will knock tons of time off your daily email routines and keep your e-mail professional!
Tips for sharing articles on Twitter
Linking to articles is one of the most popular types of posts on Twitter. Learn a few linking strategies by reading this article.
Click here to read the article
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
LACD Website Redesign! We need your help!
If you have a question regarding a company, where’s the first place you look? If you are a functioning human under the age of 80, you would probably use a Google search to pull up the company’s website. For the whippersnappers in my generation, it’s second nature. Basically, if a company/professional/organization wants to survive out in the cold, capitalist world, a website is beyond essential. So if everyone needs a website, that means they must be pretty easy to make, right?
Wrong. While web programs have made it pretty easy to create a site, creating a site that is informative, well designed and up to date is quite difficult. For my 500 level capstone Professional Writing course, our class made it a mission to redesign the department website. We spent an entire semester working on this project and barely scratched the surface. Since I am a writer, the first thing I wanted to work on was the actual content creation. Little did I know that this is one of the last steps in the website creation process. I think we were all pretty shocked at how much work really does go in to creating a site, specifically the research and planning stages.
Bad websites are very easy to make. Common mistakes such as poor navigation, outdated information and misunderstanding the needs of the audience can kill the credibility of a website. If a user comes to a site seeking answers, and leaves frustrated the site has damaged the company’s professional brand and alienated the audience: two things that a business cannot afford to do.
Since Career Week has come to a close, Liberal Arts Career Development is currently working on redesigning our website. We want to create an updated, new site that focuses on serving students. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help! After Spring Break, we will be emailing out a survey and conducting a focus group to get feedback from our most valued audience membes, meaning you, Purdue undergraduate students. Please take the time to fill out the survey or contact us about participating in a focus group. It would be a great opportunity for you to experience professionally, and we could greatly improve our site based on your feedback. Be watching your inbox for more information.
4 ways to successfully balance your time
by: Adam Beasley
1. Start Working
This quite possibly the hardest step to take when it comes to getting your work done. Surprisingly, the key is just sitting down and doing it. The problem with getting work done is the fact that there is so much going on in our lives. It's so much easier to just sit down and watch a television show or surf the internet until you went over the same site maybe two or three times. Facebook is the bane of all work. Farmville!! You need to realize what keeps you from doing work and then remove yourself from a situation that would allow you to do that. Go to a library or a coffee shoppe. You'll be glad you did.
2. Set Aside Time for Yourself
If all you are doing is working then eventually you are going to get burnt out. Set aside some time where you can do whatever you want everyday. It doesn't matter whether that be sitting watching television, reading a book, or hanging out with friends but it does matter that you are putting work off for a bit. Once you've had some time to yourself then you will be able to come back to work and work twice as hard. Plus it gives you an incentive to get your work done.
3. Set Realistic Goals
It easy when you are moving and doing work to put too much into the goals that you want to complete. It is always good to strive to do your best and work hard but if you try to do too much then you can be very disappointed when it doesn't work out. Once you get that feeling of disappointment, it is easy to stop doing work all together because you have lost all of your momentum. Just always make sure set realistic, but challenging goals.
4. Get Sleep
When you are tired you don't do as good as work as if you were wide-awake and ready to go. This is because your brain cannot put all of its focus on a task because it is also preoccupied with trying to find sleep. Make sure you get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night and this will put your body on a schedule that will help you become less tired throughout the day. Surprisingly, getting way too much sleep can also have an adverse effect on your work. No joke.
1. Start Working
This quite possibly the hardest step to take when it comes to getting your work done. Surprisingly, the key is just sitting down and doing it. The problem with getting work done is the fact that there is so much going on in our lives. It's so much easier to just sit down and watch a television show or surf the internet until you went over the same site maybe two or three times. Facebook is the bane of all work. Farmville!! You need to realize what keeps you from doing work and then remove yourself from a situation that would allow you to do that. Go to a library or a coffee shoppe. You'll be glad you did.
2. Set Aside Time for Yourself
If all you are doing is working then eventually you are going to get burnt out. Set aside some time where you can do whatever you want everyday. It doesn't matter whether that be sitting watching television, reading a book, or hanging out with friends but it does matter that you are putting work off for a bit. Once you've had some time to yourself then you will be able to come back to work and work twice as hard. Plus it gives you an incentive to get your work done.
3. Set Realistic Goals
It easy when you are moving and doing work to put too much into the goals that you want to complete. It is always good to strive to do your best and work hard but if you try to do too much then you can be very disappointed when it doesn't work out. Once you get that feeling of disappointment, it is easy to stop doing work all together because you have lost all of your momentum. Just always make sure set realistic, but challenging goals.
4. Get Sleep
When you are tired you don't do as good as work as if you were wide-awake and ready to go. This is because your brain cannot put all of its focus on a task because it is also preoccupied with trying to find sleep. Make sure you get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night and this will put your body on a schedule that will help you become less tired throughout the day. Surprisingly, getting way too much sleep can also have an adverse effect on your work. No joke.
The trickiest job interview question
It's difficult but it shouldn't be. Learn how to properly answer the question: Tell us about yourself.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
LACD Blog: Improve the look of your resume: http://bit.ly/hxbQem
Senior Design Intern Angela's blog post on the LACD Intern blog site, gives readers tips on how to visually improve their resume.
Optimize your online job search
Check out these tips for optimizing your online job search. And don't forget about using Purdue's Career Wiki and the CCO Express while you are looking for online job postings.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Improve the Look of Your Resume - Part 2
By Angela Cooley
Last week, I listed some of the tools at your disposal when designing your resume. By far the most abused of those elements is the humble font. PC and Mac users alike have access to a large selection of different typefaces, from the plain and simple to the ornate and decorative.
This week's tip: Use classic fonts, not tired fonts.
Ah, Times New Roman. A perfectly acceptable choice, to be sure, but its tenure as a default font has rendered it dull through sheer overuse. If you want to switch things up a bit, stick with simple, clearly legible choices like Georgia, Garamond, Cambria, or Verdana. Now is not the time for Curlz MT. It’s never time for Curlz MT.
This is what you should ABSOLUTELY NEVER DO.
Size also matters when it comes to type, and 10 to 12pt is an acceptable range for your body text. Anything bigger than 12pt looks too clunky, and going smaller than 10pt gets too hard to read. If you need to shrink your text that small to fit it all on the page, you have too much text. Edit it down. Your headings, of course, can be a larger size, but please don't make your name 72pt... you'll look like an egomaniac.
You need not chain yourself to a single font, either: pairing a serif body text with a sans-serif header creates a pleasing contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, check out this article for an in-depth look at combining fonts.
You need not chain yourself to a single font, either: pairing a serif body text with a sans-serif header creates a pleasing contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, check out this article for an in-depth look at combining fonts.
Career Week Wrap Up (In Numbers)
Check out Intern Caitlin's blog that summarizes the facts and figures about LA Career Week 2011. We are so excited and impressed. Once again, thanks for your participation! We are only hoping to improve these figures next year.
Improve your blog and increase your readership
Remember Kyle Lacy's tips about professional development: blogging about your industry is extremely important when building a brand. Here are a few tips to improve your blog.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
How to say you're a great candidate without actually saying it
It's never a good idea to brag about yourself too much during job interviews. It could come off as pretentious or arrogant. But on the other hand, you don't want to come off passive either. So how can you assert that you are great for the position without actually saying it?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A Career Week Wrap Up in Numbers
By: Caitlin Charles
It has been over a week since Career Week has ended, but I would like to send out one last review to talk about some of the results I have been gathering since last Friday. I believe numbers can be a very telling resource, so I would like to go over some of Career Week's statistics.
Career Week preparations began last April, but our current team of 9 spent 44 days this semester working on coordinating all of career week's events. We had 14 sponsors and and gave out 25 prizes worth over $1,600. The winner of our Elevator Pitch Contest William Thiedeman, won a business suit and shopping experience from JCPenney by only 1 vote over 2nd place, with 701 votes total. In terms of marketing and spreading the word about Career Week, we produced 3 video spoof commercials, and printed 6 different types of fliers, 1 of which we stuffed into 3,000 copies of the exponent at 12:45am the Thursday before Career Week.
Not including The Professional Forum Career Fair on Friday we had a total of 310 student attendees to 13 events in 4 days with an average 24 per event. Of the 13 events, 8 were speaker presentations, with 2 of them being our key note speakers, Yvonne Harvey Williams and Kyle Lacy. 4 were interactive events and 2 were fair style. The most attended type of event would be a fair style event in the early afternoon on Monday or Wednesday in PMU 118.
Now to round out the Career Week experience from an intern's standpoint, I would like to add some of the stats from my own personal week. I worked 31 hours on Career Week during the 5 days, drank 13 cans of Coca Cola, and changed clothes in the first floor Beering bathroom 3 different times. I had pizza for 7 separate meals, and ended up with 31 pictures from various events.
I hope these numbers have given a small idea of how Liberal Arts Career Development worked to put Career Week together, and some of the successes we attained throughout the week.
It has been over a week since Career Week has ended, but I would like to send out one last review to talk about some of the results I have been gathering since last Friday. I believe numbers can be a very telling resource, so I would like to go over some of Career Week's statistics.
Career Week preparations began last April, but our current team of 9 spent 44 days this semester working on coordinating all of career week's events. We had 14 sponsors and and gave out 25 prizes worth over $1,600. The winner of our Elevator Pitch Contest William Thiedeman, won a business suit and shopping experience from JCPenney by only 1 vote over 2nd place, with 701 votes total. In terms of marketing and spreading the word about Career Week, we produced 3 video spoof commercials, and printed 6 different types of fliers, 1 of which we stuffed into 3,000 copies of the exponent at 12:45am the Thursday before Career Week.
Not including The Professional Forum Career Fair on Friday we had a total of 310 student attendees to 13 events in 4 days with an average 24 per event. Of the 13 events, 8 were speaker presentations, with 2 of them being our key note speakers, Yvonne Harvey Williams and Kyle Lacy. 4 were interactive events and 2 were fair style. The most attended type of event would be a fair style event in the early afternoon on Monday or Wednesday in PMU 118.
Now to round out the Career Week experience from an intern's standpoint, I would like to add some of the stats from my own personal week. I worked 31 hours on Career Week during the 5 days, drank 13 cans of Coca Cola, and changed clothes in the first floor Beering bathroom 3 different times. I had pizza for 7 separate meals, and ended up with 31 pictures from various events.
I hope these numbers have given a small idea of how Liberal Arts Career Development worked to put Career Week together, and some of the successes we attained throughout the week.
Can you ever tell the boss they're wrong?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt that your boss was in the wrong? How should you approach this situation and still remain professional?
Twitter 101: Who to Follow Pt. 1
By Megan Fingert
Twitter has over 190 million users worldwide. It can be easy to get lost as you begin to search for people to follow. Some will look for their favorite celebrity; others will look for leaders within their field. Whatever it is you’re looking for in tweets, you’re sure to be able to find it. Whether you’re brand new to twitter or a regular Tweep, here are 10 accounts, spread over two blog posts, that I think any young professional can appreciate as both a young person and as someone looking to develop professionally. The first five are more worldwide. Next week’s installment will feature accounts from Indiana and Lafayette locals.
1.Roger Ebert, writer and movie critic, @ebertchicago
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Ebert is by far the worlds most trusted movie critic and who doesn’t love the movies!? Following him will allow you to stay up to date on new movie releases and new cinematic technology.
How it will help you develop professionally: Writing is by far one of the most coveted skills in today’s job market. Being able to communicate well is an invaluable trait. In my opinion, great writers are great readers and reading Ebert’s reviews and articles will no doubt benefit you. His writing style is clean and informative. He is the perfect example of great writing.
2. Consumer Reports, the world’s largest independent consumer-product testing organization, @ConsumerReports
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Consumer Reports has great articles on the latest products. Whether it’s a new car model, a blender, or a watch, Consumer Reports can tell you if it’s worth buying.
How it will help you develop professionally: As an employee, you will become more apart of the global economy. To be a good employee in an international business world, you should also be an aware consumer. All companies, products and services are interconnected. You should be aware of not only your competitors but of all other members of the world market. Following Consumer Reports will help you to do so.
3. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Staff Neurosurgeon at Emory Clinic and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, @sanjayguptaCNN
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: We live in a generation that seeks to not just be healthy, but understand our health and our body. Dr. Sanjay Gupta will not only bring you really cool medical information that could benefit your health, but reports on global medical news. He is certainly the leading medical journalist in news today.
How it will help you develop professionally: A healthy employee is a good employee. To truly reach your potential in the work place, you must be in tip-top shape. Half of doing well is feeling good. Your health affects your morale, which affects your performance. Following Dr. Gupta will help you stay informed and stay well.
4. The Smithsonian, the worlds largest museum complex and research organization in Washington D.C., @Smithsonian
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: Smithsonian tweets about amazing exhibits, featuring photos and articles of some of the world’s most treasured artifacts. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll love reading what the Smithsonian has to post.
How it will help you develop professionally: To create a brighter future, we must know about our past. Whether it’s knowing the history of your company or your nation, it’s important that young professionals do not turn away from or forget the past. The Smithsonian celebrates history and reminds us that we must revisit our previous mistakes and triumphs to continue to succeed in the future.
5. Charlie Sheen, actor-turned-crazy-person, @CharlieSheen
Why you’ll enjoy their tweets: If you don’t have cable, you might not have seen the phenomenon that is the Charlie Sheen news frenzy. Lately he’s been giving interviews almost everyday of the week, each with increasingly more bizarre remarks and behavior. The recovering addict and television star’s tweets are just the same. His humorous and manic posts will provide you with hours of laughs. Follow him purely for entertainment.
How it will help you develop professionally: THIS IS EXACTLY HOW YOU SHOULD NOT USE TWITTER AS A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL! Charlie Sheen should serve as the poorest example of professional tweeting. Use his twitter to learn about what terrible Twitter etiquette and use looks like. Remember that Twitter serves as your personal PR department. Display an image on it that shows balance, intellect and engagement…not #TigerBlood or #Winning.
Friday, March 4, 2011
How to write a resume when you just want a job...any job
So, you aren't feeling picky about the type of job you are applying for. You just need a job! Read these tips on how to create a resume that will be effective in this situation.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
#Advertising Majors! Marie Clair is looking for you! Summer and Fall #internships #Purdue
Read the listing on the Interns Queen's website at
http://www.internqueen.com/content/Internships/marie-claire-advertising-summer-2011
What's new on LinkedIn?
This article gives an overview of some of LinkedIn's newest feature. Remember, how important LinkedIn is for your professional brand so take some time to familiarize yourself.
I may be social media obsessed...
By: Stephanie Grebe
After Social Media day of Career Week, I cannot seem to read enough about the future of communication. Technology that I use to write off as personal is now turning professional, and there are new techniques every day to marketing yourself online. Here are my top sites I am following to stay updated on the role of social media in my professional life.
1. Social Media Today is my new favorite blog site. The content covers all aspects of social media including techniques, trends, what to do, what not to do, and opinions. According to their page, "Every day, we provide insight and host lively debate about the tools, platforms, companies and personalities that are revolutionizing the way we consume information." Anyone can sign up to blog, and it is a fantastic way to learn the hot topics of social media. I love following them on Twitter and Facebook.
2. Mashable is a fantastic news source for all web technology, and social media is just one of their many areas of expertise. This blog site is a great way to stay updated on the newest technology information, and they are incredibly active on Twitter!
3. Kyle Lacy is a social media marketing expert, who authored Twitter Marketing for Dummies. After he came to speak at Purdue last week, I started following his blog. He has a very unique voice and provides information that is currently and relevant to our generation. On his blog, he breaks down social media so anyone can understand! He is also very interesting to follow on Twitter because he retweets other social media guru's blogs.
After Social Media day of Career Week, I cannot seem to read enough about the future of communication. Technology that I use to write off as personal is now turning professional, and there are new techniques every day to marketing yourself online. Here are my top sites I am following to stay updated on the role of social media in my professional life.
1. Social Media Today is my new favorite blog site. The content covers all aspects of social media including techniques, trends, what to do, what not to do, and opinions. According to their page, "Every day, we provide insight and host lively debate about the tools, platforms, companies and personalities that are revolutionizing the way we consume information." Anyone can sign up to blog, and it is a fantastic way to learn the hot topics of social media. I love following them on Twitter and Facebook.
2. Mashable is a fantastic news source for all web technology, and social media is just one of their many areas of expertise. This blog site is a great way to stay updated on the newest technology information, and they are incredibly active on Twitter!
3. Kyle Lacy is a social media marketing expert, who authored Twitter Marketing for Dummies. After he came to speak at Purdue last week, I started following his blog. He has a very unique voice and provides information that is currently and relevant to our generation. On his blog, he breaks down social media so anyone can understand! He is also very interesting to follow on Twitter because he retweets other social media guru's blogs.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Skills Employers Look for When They Hire New Employees
It's almost Spring Break and as a senior, I am beginning to feel graduation beginning to loom ahead of me. It can be a scary feeling, especially because job searching can be so stressful. I've often wondered if I joined enough clubs, or was active enough during my undergraduate career to impress employers. But I recently came across this article on AOL.com that reports the findings of a recent study done at Oklahoma State University. The university polled companies around the country about what kinds of skills and experiences they were looking for a new employee to demonstrate. Internship experience was of course at the top of their lists, but the rest of the results were sometimes surprising.
First of all, language skills were at the top of their lists. Interview skills (which is essentially being able to converse and present yourself effectively during stressful situations), foreign language skills, writing skills and communication skills were all ranked highly. The second skill set that employers were looking for came down to problem solving skills and critical thinking ability. Finally, the employers wanted to hire someone with good character who can get along well with others on the team.
If you notice, stellar grades and involvement in numerous outside activities were not included in the list. As for the skills that were mentioned, I felt that as liberal arts students especially our curriculum has been built to give us experience in all of these areas. We've all had to take English 106 and Com 114, which strengthens both communication skills and writing skills. We all have to take math and science courses which train us how to problem solve and think critically. Finally, many of our classes are built on group projects and team collaboration. I don't know about you but, these findings made me feel more confident about my skills and gave me a greater sense of optimism about my job search.
8 Funny Interview Slip-up stories!
Learn from the funny mistakes that people have made during job interviews!
Click here to read the full article
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Twitter!
by: Adam Beasley
Twitter. The place where people read mindless updates about celebrity's eating habits or lack there of. The place where you can read about your next-door neighbor's continuous updates about his broken relationship with the girl he met in World of Warcraft. The place where you can create a professional network and get a job. Wait...what?!
Twitter is becoming such a huge market for new, young professionals and right now is the best time to start taking advantage of it. Two weeks ago I was a lowly, little egg with no profile picture or tweets. I had started a twitter account but hadn't done a thing to make it my own and to create my own brand. After Career Week last week and the hounding by the other interns I have finally decided to start using Twitter to it's full potential. I can't say it's easy to create a substantial and lasting brand but you have to start somewhere. Read the following blog post off the website of Kyle Lacy, the author of "Branding Yourself" and "Twitter for Dummies" and start to creating your own professional brand.
What can you learn about job searching from this year's best movies?
Take tips from The Social Network, The King's speech and more Oscar nominated films that relate to job searching!
Click here to read the full article
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